As the world marks the 2026 World Environment Day under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to climate resilience with renewed focus on one of its flagship interventions—the Bulbula/Gayawa Erosion Control Project.
During a supervision visit to the project site, the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, described the initiative as a historic and lifesaving response to years of devastating erosion that has plagued communities in Bulbula and Gayawa.
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For decades, residents of the affected areas have endured severe environmental degradation resulting in loss of lives, destruction of homes, and disruption of livelihoods. School children, in particular, have faced daily risks navigating dangerous erosion paths to access education.
“While many believed that addressing this ecological challenge was impossible, we refused to accept that narrative,” Dr. Hashim said, noting that the intervention reflects the vision and leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in prioritising people-centred and sustainable development.
The ongoing project involves a massive engineering design featuring a main drainage channel ranging between 10 and 14 metres in width, spanning a total length of 2.850 kilometres. The channel is supported by 13 interconnected tributary structures, locally referred to as “fingers,” designed to effectively manage water flow and reduce erosion impact.
To enhance accessibility and community connectivity, five pedestrian bridges are being constructed at strategic نقاط along the channel, including 210 metres, 530 metres, 2.04 kilometres, 2.35 kilometres, and 2.685 kilometres.
In addition to these features, the Commissioner disclosed that one of the three vehicular bridges—Gada Mai Doyi located at chainage 0+0—failed an integrity assessment due to structural deficiencies and deterioration. Consequently, the state government has ordered its immediate demolition and approved the redesign and reconstruction of a more durable and higher-quality replacement.
“Our position is clear—public safety and quality standards cannot be compromised,” Dr. Hashim emphasised.
He further described the project as more than just infrastructure, stressing that it represents a direct response to the cries of affected communities and a proactive step toward mitigating the growing impacts of climate change in urban Kano.
The Bulbula/Gayawa Erosion Control Project stands as a key example of nature-based and climate-responsive development, aimed at protecting lives, restoring environmental stability, and strengthening resilience against extreme weather events.
As global conversations around climate action intensify, Kano State’s efforts highlight the importance of local solutions in addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Dr. Hashim called on residents and stakeholders to support environmental protection efforts and embrace sustainable practices, noting that collective action remains essential in building a greener, safer, and more resilient future.
